The Bottineau pioneer. (Bottineau, N.D.) 1885-1895, 1887-12-29

though always kind. sometimes SLOW
to answer the thousand questions Of
childhood. But Uncle Charlie was al.
Wayslight and CHEEKY. Henever looked
perplexed, for nothing could puzzle
him. Oh no! And as to the questions,
he always answered them, even the
most difficult, though candor compels
the confession that his replies would
not always bear ~veri6cation under
oath OF affirmation.
Mother, Geordie was compelled to
believe, was somewhat helpless, like
himself, but Uncle Charlie could do
everything. Geordie could only hint
his wishes, and if his uncle could not
quite accomplish them, he could sug-
gest something else which he main
tanned, and the child believed, was a
great deal better. Geordie longed, O,
how much, for q live pony. Uncle
Charlie brought him q rocking-horse,
which would neither kick nor
away. Beside, it would eat, nothing,
and Geordie was easily convinced that
the wooden pony's moderate appe-
tite was a great recommendation. He
could make believe feed it, you know,
and q horse that only makes believe
eat is a very profitable animal.
"Wil Uncle Charlie come today"
! The mother sighed as she said, X
hope SO, Geordie."
20, mother, / know he will, for he
always came on New Years when f..
Their was at home" Z.
Mrs. Merrill could no longer stay
her tears. It was a sad New Years
day to her; for she had no assurance
scarce hope that the husband and
father, who, q year ago was the light
OF the household, was longer among
the living, Early in the year just
closed he had left her for Ell Dorado,
the Wanderful land which acc carried
away all our restless population;pthe
land fruitful in gold to few, in ankle
ties and tears to all the friends who.
were lett behind. Months had pass.
ed, and no tidings were received from
him. It was a sad Wintry day to the
hearts Of those who sighed for the alb
sent. And yet the streets. were full
OF promenaders people Of light heart
and cheerful demeanor, who passed
the window whore the deserted wife
and. mother sat. The thought was
forced upon her, whether through the
year just opened she should strive to
keep together. her husbands homo
comforts, or whether she must not re-
linquish all, and thus confess that she
hoped no more for his return. -,
She had almost forgotten Uncle
Charlie, when she caught q glimpse of
his familiar face. ..sE 49,
II knew he, would come-I knew he
would come!" shouted little Geordie,
and before his mother could reach the
door, the happy boy was tugging at
the LATCH We need not describe with
what Joy Uncle Charlie was welcomed,
or how before his pleasant smile
pleasant, though sad,for he could feel
THE gloomy thoughts Of Mrs. Merrill
gave her respite. Wonderful were the
stores of toys and bon-bons which
came out of Uncle Charles pockets
for his little nephew. Deep was the
blush with which Mrs. Merrill received
a sealed envelope which Uncle Charlie
bade her to put in her pocket and
to hold her peace.
"Charles. YOU are robbinp Yourself"
"Mel and / q bachelor. without q
wife. or chick. or child. Beside. it's
all charged; and will be paid when
vour husband comes home.h
: Mrs. Merrill sadly shook her head.
Uncle Charlie knew her forebodines.
Perhaps he shared them. But Uncle
Charlie was ALWAYS & child. In the
darkest day he could see sunlight. II
he had been q broker he could have
carried the most forlorn stock. and.
when forced to give away. drop,
his load and rejoice that he
was released from a burden.
The mans confidence WAS as ada
mant and his spirits as q perennial
fountain. He was determined to be-
lieve that his brother would return.
and if the absentee Y came back.
40 much the more was he bound to
keep up for the happiness of his widow
and child.
"wh1 I1no,a m .r,;o,s a.;d na,.o.
90 ~ sy,, u h G nrasants a1u .., usUls r.
not bring me- one benLIa
.nv IN nao : a;S eu";a r1..,a m..,:.
nR,,t I will .;va nnr ali no hnnE.
vben vo,, arc . ma and W., shoIi
ha : swuar i;La me- W., no;aht InaL
at lat tha G;ant K;IIer 5w h;ch r
0S VuO NA0Ao AAbOA VnASAAA